Conditions could get treacherous this year if a major snow or ice storm hits Lakewood. The City will prioritize the most-traveled roads first in terms of its de-icing efforts, including Bridgeport Way, Steilacoom Boulevard and Gravelly Lake Drive. For a map of the City’s Snow and Ice Response Priorities, visit: http://goo.gl/6F3orN
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Residents can prepare for a snow emergency themselves by stocking up on:

Food

Warm clothes and blankets

Flares

Flashlights

Extra batteries

It’s also a great idea to keep a cell phone handy.

During extreme conditions, the best tip, according to the Lakewood Police Department, is to stay off the roads if you don’t have to drive. However, if residents are going to get behind the wheel, here are a few tips:

Allow yourself plenty of time to reach your destination

Give yourself plenty of driving distance between your car and the one in front of you

Make sure your tires, wiper blades and brakes are working properly, and fill up on windshield washer fluid

Consider using studded tires or carry tire chains

Keep a full tank of gas in case you’re stranded and need to run the heater in your car, as well as have a good car battery

Carry a folding shovel and bag of kitty litter for traction if you get stuck. Have snacks, water, blanket and cell phone available.

Do not abandon your vehicle unless directed by law enforcement, or if the vehicle is legally parked off the roadway and the driver/passengers have a ride from someone else.

Did You Know?

The City's fleet of vehicles that can help with snow and ice removal consists of:

Two, 5-yard dump trucks with plows and salt spreaders

One F-350 pickup truck with plow and salt spreader

One F-550 pickup with plow and salt spreader

One F-250 pickup with salt spreader

One F-450 pickup with 500-gallon brine spreader system

Three portable brine tote system spreaders (which can be mounted on various City trucks)

18 backup totes (275 gallons each) are available for local brine storage